Weightlifting coach arrested for supplying banned substances to athletes

On November 12, 2026, Greek police arrested a 58-year-old weightlifting coach in the Attica region following a months-long investigation conducted in cooperation with the Hellenic Anti-Doping Organization (EOKAN) and the National Organization for Medicines (EOF). The suspect is accused of supplying and administering prohibited performance-enhancing drugs to athletes since at least April 2024.

A significant finding of the investigation involves the coach administering the banned substance oxandrolone—a compound listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)—to his own minor son during a competition. As a consequence of these doping violations, the coach has already been issued a 12-year ban from sports, while the athlete in question received a 10-month suspension. Reports identify the suspect as the brother of Olympic champion Pyrros Dimas, who has previously served as a national team coach.

The authorities have charged the individual with violating laws concerning sports integrity and the distribution of harmful pharmaceuticals. The case remains under active investigation by the Hellenic Police's Organized Crime Division as legal proceedings move forward.